Press Release
26 Arizona nonprofits receive $2,605,000 Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust grants
March 21, 2007
(Phoenix) –The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust awarded $2,605,000 to 26 Arizona nonprofit organizations Wednesday, March 21. The presentation was held at Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham at 2:30 p.m. Recipients began arriving at 2 p.m. for refreshments and an informal “mixer” with the Trust’s Trustees, staff and representatives from other grantee organizations.
“The Trust has continued to further the causes Nina Pulliam supported during her life. Since the Trust began its grantmaking in 1998, it has awarded more than $64 million to 309 Arizona nonprofit organizations. As Trustees, we are pleased to continue her legacy of helping people in need, protecting animals and nature, and enriching community life,” said Frank E. Russell, Trustee chairman.
“Nina Pulliam believed we all have a responsibility to give back to our community. Nina called Indianapolis and Phoenix home, which is the reason her Trust focuses its grants to organizations in these cities,” Russell added.
“The Trust presents grants three times a year. This is the first grant award this year and the organizations receiving funding today represent every area of the Trust’s mission,” said Harriet M. Ivey, Trust president and CEO. Today’s grants range from $9,000 to $500,000.
“Nina spent a lifetime helping others, and her Trust has evolved into a strong resource for nonprofit groups in her beloved hometown
of Phoenix. With a strong emphasis on encouraging self-sufficiency, the Trust serves individuals, including the elderly and disabled,
women, children and their families,” Trustee Carol P. Schilling said.
Helping People in Need grant recipients are: About Care $40,000; American Red Cross, Grand Canyon Chapter $45,000; Asian Pacific
Community in Action $30,000; Big Brothers Big Sister of Central Arizona $36,000; Central Arizona Shelter Services $50,000; Child
Abuse Prevention $150,000; Desert Mission $23,000; Eve’s Place $50,000; Friendly House $150,000; Helping Hands Housing Services $28,000; Horses Help Foundation $65,000; Junior Achievement of Arizona $42,000; New Life Center $150,000; Power Paws Assistance Dogs $25,000; Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center $50,000; Stepping Stones of Hope $30,000; The Centers for Habitation $250,000; Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development $109,000; Whispering Hope Ranch Foundation $100,000.
“Nina was known for her love of animals and was concerned for their welfare. Throughout her life, she supported efforts to protect animals of all kinds, as well as their habitats and the natural beauty of Arizona,” Schilling said.
Protecting Animals and Nature grant recipients are: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum $200,000; Center for Biological Diversity $80,000;
Desert Botanical Garden $500,000; Native Seeds/SEARCH $150,000; New Dawn Livestock Rescue & Sanctuary $9,000; Sun Valley Animal Shelter $200,000.
“During her life, Nina supported programs that brought cultural and educational opportunities to children and adults who otherwise might not have realized such experiences,” Schilling explained.
Enriching Community Life grant recipient is: Rosie’s House: A Music Academy for Children $43,000.
Trustee Nancy M. Russell discussed the impact of the Trust’s college scholarship program. “The Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars
program continues to bring the dream of a college education to those who are overlooked by traditional scholarship programs. Since the
Nina Scholars program began in 2001, it has touched the lives of more than 138 men and women in Arizona.
In 2006, the Trust extended the Nina Scholars program through 2010, committing $7.8 million over the next four years to scholarships for 168 nontraditional college students in Arizona and Indiana. The program extension also includes an annual $2,750 living allowance for Scholars, books, fees and the program’s administrative costs. The Nina Scholars program now accounts for 10 percent of the Trust’s annual grantmaking.
Nina Scholars are 25 years or older with dependents, college-age students and adults with physical disabilities, or college-age youth who were raised in the foster care system and are self-supporting. The seventh cohort of 23 Arizona students will begin their studies this fall at Arizona State University and Maricopa Community Colleges.
“Nina believed in education’s power to transform lives, and our Nina Scholars are testimony to this,” Russell added.
To receive additional Nina Scholars program information visit the Trust Scholars page or contact: Cory Gonzales, nina.scholars@asu.edu at ASU, 480-727-6561; or Susan Taffer, nina.scholars@domail.maricopa.edu at Maricopa Community Colleges, 480-731-8820.
The Trust, which also makes grants in Indiana, had approximately $395.2 million in assets as of January 31, 2007.
The next preliminary application deadline for nonprofit organizations applying to the Trust for funding is May 4, 2007.
Preliminary applications may be obtained through the Application page on our web site; by writing to the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable
Trust, 2201 E. Camelback Road, Suite 600B, Phoenix, AZ 85016; or by calling 602-955-3000.